Prospect Talent Score

Probability of Success

History

2010-11: Emile Poirier played for Laval-Montreal Rousseau Royal in Quebec midget AAA hockey. He scored 27 goals with 24 assists in 42 games and had 20 penalty minutes. In five playoff games he scored 1 goal with 2 assists and 4 penalty minutes. Poirier was selected by Gatineau in the third round (38th overall) of the 2011 QMJHL Entry Draft.

2011-12: Poirier played in 67 games for Gatineau in his first QMJHL season. He scored 15 goals with 25 assists and was minus-17 with 53 penalty minutes. The Olympiques reached the playoffs after finishing fourth in the West Division. Poirier scored 1 goal and was minus-three with 8 penalty minutes in the four game series with Blainville-Boisbriand.

2012-13: Poirier was the leading scorer for Gatineau in his second year with the team – scoring 32 goals with 38 assists in 65 games – and had an even plus/minus while finishing third on the Olympiques with 101 penalty minutes. Gatineau finished fifth in the West Division and advanced to the second round of the QMJHL playoffs; being swept by eventual champion Halifax. Poirier scored 6 goals with 4 assists and was minus-two with 14 penalty minutes in 10 playoff games. Poirier was ranked 39th amongst North American skaters in the Central Scouting final rankings and was selected by Calgary in the first round (22nd overall) in the 2013 NHL Draft.

2013-14: Poirier signed a three-year entry-level contract with Calgary in January 2014 and made his pro hockey debut as a 19-year-old with Flames’ AHL affiliate Abbotsford in April following his junior season. He scored 2 goals with 2 assists and was +4 in two regular season games with the Heat and had 1 goal and 2 penalty minutes in three playoff games. Poiirier led Gatineau in goals and points in his third QMJHL season. His 43 goals were seventh-most in the league and he had 44 assists, finishing +30 with 129 penalty minutes. The Olympiques finished fourth in the West Division and reached the second round in the playoffs. Poirier score 7 goals with 3 assists and was +3 with 26 penalty minutes in 10 playoff games. He represented the QMJHL in the Subway Series against Russia.

2014-15: Poirier made his NHL debut as a 20-year old — skating in six late-season games for Calgary — and was the second-leading scorer for Flames’ AHL affiliate Adirondack in his first pro season. He had 1 assist and was +1 with no penalties, averaging eight minutes of ice time for Calgary. Poirier was with the Flames during the playoff series with Anaheim but did not appear in any games. He scored 19 goals with 23 assists and was +7 with 50 penalty minutes in 55 regular season games for Adirondack, appearing in the AHL all-star game. The Flames missed the AHL playoffs, finishing fourth in the North Division.

Talent Analysis

Poirier is a speedy offensive forward. He has great hands, an accurate shot and can make plays at top speed, leading to him often taking defenders by surprise. He plays with plenty of confidence in his abilities and seems to have a knack for creating offensive chances where none appear to exist. Poirier needs to continue to round out his game, especially improving his play without the puck. As he continues to get stronger he has added a physical element to his game.

Future

Poirier is among the promising forwards who will challenge for an NHL roster with the Flames in 2015-16. With a deep, talented group, he could begin the year with Calgary's new AHL affiliate Stockton. The Thunder are one of five California-based teams comprising the Pacific Division. Poirier has added some size and strength since his junior days and should fit in well with the other young forwards who have resurrected the Calgary franchise.

Photo: Calgary Flames prospect Markus Granlund is part of the team’s solid depth at center. (courtesy of Minas Panagiotakis/Icon Sportswire)

After five seasons of not making the playoffs, the Calgary Flames appear to be on the verge of returning to post-season action. The emergences of Johnny Gaudreau and Josh Jooris have assisted in the drive for the playoffs and are among the top ranking prospects in the system. Meanwhile, the AHL’s Adirondack Flames also find themselves in the playoff hunt with key contributions from Emile Poirier and Joni Ortio. Michael Ferland and Ryan Culkin make their first appearances on the Top 20 list, while Sven Baertschi has graduated from prospect status.

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